Join millions who plan to give the gift of time this Christmas

News

Published:00:01Tuesday 11 December 2018

Share this article

Millions of us are planning to spend time volunteering over the festive period, according to the latest figures.

New research from national volunteering charity, Royal Voluntary Service, finds nearly one in five (17%) adults in Great Britain plan to volunteer over the Christmas period, with 14% intending to volunteer on Christmas Day itself.

Of those who plan to volunteer, nearly three quarters (74%) intend to donate at least three hours of their time during the festivities and just over one in 10 (11%) will gift more than 10 hours.

The research also explored people’s thoughts around present giving at Christmas and reveals the selfless nature of our nation - 54% of respondents say the gift of time to help others is the most valuable gift you can give and nearly half (49%) believe more people should consider gifting their time to help others, rather than just spending on gifts.

Two fifths (40%) also say they would prefer someone to donate their money or time to a good cause at Christmas rather than spending it on them.

On the back of the study, Royal Voluntary Service is hoping to inspire people to extend their goodwill by encouraging them to volunteer a few hours each week or month, throughout the year.

Specifically, the charity wants to harness the public’s giving spirit to support its work with the NHS and those in later life, citing the huge difference just a few hours can make to someone’s life.

Rebecca Kennelly, Director of Volunteering for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Christmas can bring out our altruistic side, and volunteering is one of the most generous gifts you can give.

“It offers enormous value for the person making the gift, and to those receiving it: it changes lives, changes communities and changes society.

“It is wonderful to see so many people plan to volunteer this Christmas, and we’d welcome more of this generosity throughout the year.

“The sense of purpose and joy that can be derived from volunteering and supporting others is incomparable.

“Whether it’s providing an older person with company at home or running a gentle exercise class on a hospital ward, our volunteers make a tangible difference to so many people, with millions of small acts of kindness.